Architectural design for multi-family buildings shall express a creative presentation of exterior building materials, exterior details and texture, treatment of windows and doors, and use of angles and multiplicity of planes within the wall and roof design to lessen the plainness of appearance which can be characteristic of multi-unit residential buildings. The use of building articulation that breaks up the building mass into modules which reflect proportions similar to the single-family residential dwellings shall be required. Methods used to create intervals which reflect individual dwelling units are:
A. Facade modulation - stepping back or extending forward a portion of the facade;
B. Entrances to the dwelling units should be easily and individually identified through the use of design and detailing. Projected or recessed entryways, higher rooflines, awnings or changes in materials are examples that can create this effect;
C. Changing the rooflines by alternating dormers, stepped roofs, gables, or other roof elements to reinforce the modulation or articulation interval;
D. Changing materials with the change in building plane to vary the look of the individual dwelling units;
E. Using paint and materials to reinforce the modulation or articulated intervals.
Buildings shall combine materials such as brick, stone, vertical or lap siding, shakes and stucco, along with trim and details to provide visual interest within the development. Use of natural materials is encouraged: Composite materials such as fiber cement and wood composites are appropriate substitutions. Vinyl siding may be used only with appropriately scaled trim. All material, trim and details for a building shall be designed appropriately for chosen architectural style. Materials should change with the change in building planes. Trim and structural elements such as posts or columns shall be sized to the scale of the building. When used, masonry materials shall have the appearance of three- dimensional elements and shall be appropriately wrapped around corners or building elements to provide authenticity to the materials. Fenestration (door and window openings) shall be sized to the scale of the building, incorporated on multiple sides of the building and be compatible to the chosen architectural style. Asphaltic shingles shall be allowed provided the shingle materials are of a heavier grade that produces a shake or shadowing effect and is consistent with the color and materials used for the multi-family residential developments.
Garage doors facing the street should be set back to minimize the dominance of their appearance or staggered across the building facade to create opportunities for individuality of the dwelling units. The architectural details of the garage should incorporate the materials and treatments of the dwelling unit, such as windows, doors, paint and materials, and style of the dwelling unit.
All facades of the building in unobstructed view of the public shall be treated with the same level of architectural style and detail. (Ord. 2090, 5-4-2015)